Glendale Interchange misses out on Federal funds

A transport project recently named by the Hunter's Mayors as the region's highest priority has missed out on the first round of new Federal infrastructure funding.

Yesterday, just over $7.5-million was awarded by the Regional Development Australia Fund to upgrade the Newcastle Region Art Gallery and expand the Hunter Valley Research Foundation at Maryville.

Lake Macquarie Independent MP Greg Piper says he is very disappointed the Glendale Transport Interchange missed out on its application for $25-million.

"The multiplier effect for dollars invested in this is absolutely huge," he said.

"And I doubt the Federal Government would have many projects that go even remotely close to it, in those terms.

"So I am very disappointed, however I remain positive that there's compelling logic in it, and it should and will be funded in the future."

Combet urged to step in

The Federal Member for Charlton Greg Combet is being urged to do more to ensure that the Glendale interchange is not overlooked for a second time.

Mr Piper says he is concerned the interchange does not fit easily into the grant criteria, but is still hopeful it will make the second round of grants.

"I think Mr Combet has been very supportive, but we would like to hear a little bit more from him.

"I don't believe that 25 million dollars is such a large amount when you consider the benefits that come from this, that it could not be funded through some other way, other than putting it through these hoops that it just doesn't seem to fit into very well."

The Hunter branch of Regional Development Australia says local applicants who missed out on the first round of National funding grants, can reapply for the second round in November.

RDA Hunter CEO, Todd Williams says he will be assisting the unsuccessful applicants to re-submit their proposals.

"We had about 26 applications from the Hunter for the first round," he said.

"We helped all those organisations to put the details together to access the fund.

"The second round will be in November and from my understanding if your application hasn't been successful in the first round, details will come back on ways that the application may improve and you can resubmit it after that."